Why do tennis players grunt and is it necessary for the game?

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In summary, the grunting is considered annoying by many people, especially those who are not fans of tennis. It is thought to increase power in short bursts, but can be annoying to watch. Some people think the sound is out of sync with the video, and that it is used to make the sport more artificial.
  • #1
Pengwuino
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If anyone here has ever caught a few tennis matches, especially with that stupid Sharapova chick, do you agree that the grunting is just TOO MUCH??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LawWhZcmV0

My dad is SO happy whenever she is eliminated from a tournament. What the hell is her problem?? And why do most tennis players grunt like disgusting pigs?

When I watched that video to give an example, I felt like closing my door and turning the volume down in case someone thought I was watching a porno.

DISCUSS!
 
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  • #2
Oh wow...my ears are bleeding.
 
  • #3
Pengwuino said:
When I watched that video to give an example, I felt like closing my door and turning the volume down in case someone thought I was watching a porno.
Hilarious. Some porno that would be.
 
  • #4
She does that here because they don't let her do that in Russia? Here she has First Amendment rights.
 
  • #5
SW VandeCarr said:
She does that here because they don't let her do that in Russia? Here she has First Amendment rights.
Nah, I think its her sponsors telling her to scream louder.
 
  • #6
Funny I was just watching women's tennis on TV and the woman, Russian, sounding like she was in labor, annoying after about three games,
I turned the channel. Evo, break out the women's tennis banning gun, and go postal on them. I wonder how many people would not attend a match because of their antic's, men and women both ?

Rhody... :eek:
 
  • #7
Yelling/Grunting/etc. is thought to increase power in many different types of activities that require short, powerful bursts of energy. If it does improve performance, I can't fault anyone for doing it. I do agree that it's annoying, though.
 
  • #8
What annoys me in particular, is that sound and video are out of sync.
You can see that the ball is hit and that only after the grunt comes.
That makes it seem artificial, unnecessary, overdone, and annoying.
 
  • #9
I never noticed the problem, but then again, she said she was disgruntled with me.
 
  • #10
Just be glad Bruce Lee didn't play tennis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQfzvQFTtEw
 
  • #11
Ivan Seeking said:
Just be glad Bruce Lee didn't play tennis
Yeah, he could probably return a volley with accuracy with a well placed kick of the heel of his foot !

Rhody... :wink:
 
  • #12
No accounting for taste. Some people are just loud whether its in bed or on the tennis court.
 
  • #13
afaik, most poeple who watch women's tennis to perv at these early 20's
so the grunting probably isn't that offensive
 
  • #14
I looked at the date of the OP, expecting it to be 8 years old, but it wasn't.
 
  • #15
I've once heard it described that it obscures the sound of the racket striking the ball, which is apparently of nonzero importance to one's reaction time.
 
  • #16
Hurkyl said:
I've once heard it described that it obscures the sound of the racket striking the ball, which is apparently of nonzero importance to one's reaction time.

Actually that makes a hell of a lot of sense.
 
  • #17
Dembadon said:
Yelling/Grunting/etc. is thought to increase power in many different types of activities that require short, powerful bursts of energy. If it does improve performance, I can't fault anyone for doing it. I do agree that it's annoying, though.

Rapid exhalation tightens the core muscles giving more power. Mixed martial arts fighters do this, although not quite like these grunting women :smile:
You can hear a slight hiss sound when they punch though.
 
  • #18
Ivan Seeking said:
Just be glad Bruce Lee didn't play tennis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQfzvQFTtEw

Good one. The K'ihap is a basic technique in Tae Kwon Do.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLB0H_LAg0w
 
  • #19
Dembadon said:
Yelling/Grunting/etc. is thought to increase power in many different types of activities that require short, powerful bursts of energy. If it does improve performance, I can't fault anyone for doing it. I do agree that it's annoying, though.

Exhaling increases power - it has nothing to do with what sound you make. I do some amateur boxing and a lot of times new people will be taught to make sounds while punching because it makes it easier for them to recognize their own breathing patterns. However, if you've been doing it for a couple years or more, people will think you are an amateur if you are still very vocal. It's expected that you learn to breath without vocalizing.
 
  • #20
Doesn't annoy me, slightly arousing actually, but then I am a perv and she is quite hot.

Yeah also Shota kan karate or stomach karate, uses shouts to increase the power of moves. It's a well known technique in many sporting disciplines.
 
  • #21
Galron said:
she is quite hot.

Yep. Not annoying at all. :biggrin:

[URL]http://im.in.com/media/download/wallpapers/2009/Apr/maria_sharapova_420x315.jpg[/URL]
 
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  • #22
Ivan Seeking said:
Yep. Not annoying at all. :biggrin:

[URL]http://im.in.com/media/download/wallpapers/2009/Apr/maria_sharapova_420x315.jpg
[/URL]

I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers, much less grunting.
 
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  • #23
i think she's faking it
 
  • #24
I do a lot of rock climbing so I obviously watch climbing videos. One of the biggest grunters in rock climbing (also probably the best climber) is Chris Sharma.

Amazing video, but lots of grunting lol.

If you don't want to watch it all, skip to 1:45

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlcQ3mxlNfs
 
  • #25
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  • #26
wuliheron said:
I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers, much less grunting.

Are you serious? That's disgusting. Have you ever tried to get cracker crumbs out of the sheets? You have to spend a weekend washing all the bedding.
 
  • #27
KingNothing said:
Are you serious? That's disgusting. Have you ever tried to get cracker crumbs out of the sheets? You have to spend a weekend washing all the bedding.

No problem, just get yourself a dog. However, ramen noodles and jello are really messy.
 
  • #28
KingNothing said:
Are you serious? That's disgusting. Have you ever tried to get cracker crumbs out of the sheets? You have to spend a weekend washing all the bedding.

lint rollers are awesome
 
  • #29
Here is a girl who does actual grunting like a pig.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyZSckIjp4c


ling.
 
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FAQ: Why do tennis players grunt and is it necessary for the game?

What causes players to make disgusting grunting noises during tennis matches?

The primary cause of grunting in tennis is the player's effort and exertion during the game. As players hit the ball, they contract their abdominal muscles and forcefully exhale, resulting in the grunting sound. This is believed to help players generate more power and control over their shots.

Is grunting allowed in professional tennis?

Yes, grunting is allowed in professional tennis as it is considered a natural and normal part of the game. However, excessive and deliberate grunting may result in a code violation for hindrance or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Do all players grunt in tennis?

No, not all players grunt in tennis. Grunting is a personal preference and some players may choose not to do it. Additionally, the intensity and frequency of grunting may vary among players.

Can players control their grunting noises?

Yes, players can control their grunting noises to some extent. Some players may consciously try to reduce or eliminate their grunting, while others may not be aware of it. However, as mentioned earlier, grunting is a natural response to the physical demands of the game and may be difficult to completely control.

Does grunting give players an unfair advantage?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that grunting gives players an unfair advantage. In fact, studies have shown that grunting does not affect the speed or trajectory of the ball. However, opponents may find grunting distracting and it may affect their focus and concentration during the match.

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